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The post of the most powerful world, European and Italian club Milan's coach of the past season, officially became vacant on Thursday after Rafael Benitez's departure.
"Reuters" reviewed potential candidates who are vying to fill the vacant position.
Leonardo
Last season he debuted with the Milan team, but left them immediately after finishing third in the Serie A championship. The reason - strained relations with owner Silvio Berlusconi.
Although his connections with Milan as both a coach and player, and an unsuccessful debut season would not make Leonardo the most realistic contender, it is reported that he is favored by Inter president Massimo Moratti.
Therefore, he is considered the main candidate.
Walter Zenga
Former Inter goalkeeper does not hide the fact that his dream is to coach this team. However, neither in Romania, nor in the Catania and Palermo teams, he did not succeed as a strategist.
Currently, he is working at the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, so he could take the reins of Inter until the end of this season. Bookmakers also consider him a realistic contender.
Luciano Spalletti
Former Roma coach after a successful season in Russia, where he triumphed with St. Petersburg Zenit in the championship, would be a popular candidate as he has no ties to Milan's fiercest rival.
However, Zenit officials have assured that Spalletti will remain with the team for at least another year.
Frank Rijkaard
In October he left Galatasaray in Istanbul and is a free agent. With Barcelona, the Dutchman triumphed in the Spanish championship and Champions League, but he has also played for the Milan team.
In addition, his career in Turkey was not successful, so he seems to have fallen out of the European elite of coaches. Is this a great opportunity for him to make a comeback?
Diego Simeone
The tough Argentine worked in his homeland, but lacks stability - there are ups and downs.
He stood at the helm of San Lorenzo, but in April he was forced to leave due to poor results.
Fabio Capello
During the summer, Moratti was slightly interested in the England national team coach when Benitez was chosen. However, in order for him to become a coach, he would have to step down from his current position, and the 64-year-old Italian does not seem inclined to do so.
Nevertheless, he is attractive for his experience - only in Italy he worked with Milan, Juventus, and Roma. Inter is missing.
Giovanni Trapattoni
He is currently continuing his career with the Ireland national team. Again, he would most likely be chosen as a short-term solution until the end of this season to stabilize the situation. In that case, he could combine the duties with work for the national team, but it is unclear if the Irish would agree to that. In addition, at 71, it is a lot to juggle two jobs.
Luis Figo
He has no experience and is currently a club ambassador. However, he has enormous respect from former teammates and the football world.
Beppe Baresi
He spent almost his entire career with Inter and worked as an assistant to Jose Mourinho and Benitez. Perhaps he lacks recognition in the football world, but a temporary solution would be understandable.
Pep Guardiola
And what if he does not renew his contract with Barcelona, which ends this summer...
